Lakers' draft pick heads to Spain

Chinemelu Elonu knew he wasn't going to make the Lakers. With a roster stocked with talent, the most he could hope for was to share the court with Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and Co. was in training camp.

So the Lakers' second-round draft pick out of Texas A&M did the next best thing. He signed a two-year deal to play for the Spanish club team Zaragoza, but included an opt-out clause that will allow him to leave Europe and sign with the Lakers after the 2009-10 season.

So not all hope of playing for the Lakers is lost.

While playing for the Lakers Summer League team, Elonu said he was "overwhelmed" when the Lakers drafted him.

"There's nothing better than to get drafted by the world champions," he said in Las Vegas.

User Agreement

Keep it civil and stay on topic. No profanity, vulgarity, racial
slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about
tragedies will be blocked. By posting your comment, you agree to
allow Orange County Register Communications, Inc. the right to
republish your name and comment in additional Register publications
without any notification or payment.